Do African Sideneck turtles need light?
Heat and Light A good temperature range for your turtle’s water is between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Lights are not just for warmth. Aquatic turtles like the African sideneck benefit from ultraviolet lights, too, particularly from UVB rays. These rays give turtles Vitamin D3 and can help them stay healthy.
Do water turtles need light at night?
Many turtle owners wonder if they need to keep the light in their turtle’s tank on at night. Luckily, the answer to that is no. Your turtle will be just fine if the light is turned off during nighttime hours. It is actually recommended that they are exposed to a natural amount of light and darkness each day.
Are African Sideneck turtles nocturnal?
These turtles are reported to be nocturnal, but they are known to bask at the water’s edge and to migrate overland between bodies of water.
How do African Sideneck turtles sleep?
Freshwater turtles normally sleep underwater but will surface periodically to breath. I’m no expert, but i do have a African side neck; he does not bask, well like the other turtles at least. My ASN like to get out of the water at night and “bask” when no heat or lights are on, its extremely odd.
Do African Sideneck turtles need heat lamp at night?
African sidenecks require supplemental heat from a heat lamp to maintain their body temperature. The temperature should never drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night when the basking light gets turned off.
Is LED light OK for turtles?
Lamps that get hot (like incandescent, halogen, or mercury vapor lamps) should have a screen under them because they occasionally explode when they get splashed by water, and the glass can injure your turtle. Fluorescent lamps and LED lamps don’t need screens because they rarely, if ever explode or shatter.
What kind of basking light do turtles need?
Yes, all types of light bulbs emit heat, but your turtle will bask best under an incandescent bulb. They work better for heating purposes than for providing UVB light. Place one at least 12 inches above a large flat rock for your turtle to laze upon while he’s enjoying the heat.
Can you hold African Sideneck turtle?
However, like other aquatic turtles, these animals aren’t for handling. They’re stressed very easily, and they might bite when provoked. Plus, they might carry salmonella bacteria, so it’s important to wash your hands after handling anything in their environment.
How long should I keep my turtles basking light on?
It’s recommended you leave the lights on for 8–10 hours a day, turning them off for 10–12 hours. The easiest way to achieve this is to use a timer. Turtles are also ectothermic (cold-blooded), so rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature.
What should I do with my African sideneck turtle?
African sideneck turtles tend to do well when housed outdoors where local climate permits, even if it’s just during part of the year (these turtles do not hibernate). This is a convenient way to provide your turtle with a generously-sized pond and “free” heating and lighting.
How long does an African sideneck turtle live?
Male sidenecks grow to reach a maximum length of about 10 inches. When given proper care, African sideneck turtles can easily live for a few decades. Some reports suggest species living for more than 50 years in captivity.
What is the anatomy of an African side neck turtle?
An African side-neck turtle’s anatomy differs from that of a typical aquatic turtle such as a red-eared slider. Side-necks have unique cervical spines, extra scutes on their shells, and unusual skull characteristics.
What kind of tank do African side neck turtles need?
Housing African Side-Neck Turtles. African side-necks are aquatic turtles, therefore, they need a large fish tank that will hold water. Your turtle should be able to swim and dive in their tank so the larger the tank is the better.